Annette tugged her hand away, and I released her.
“Alright, you promised. No one shall overhear us here.”
“I do intend to keep my promise,” I said. “But I must ask that you not demand it all from me today.”
All? What was I saying? I hadn’t meant to tell her everything, only enough to satisfy her curiosity. But then, Annette was not one to be so easily satisfied. She would want more. No, she would want every detail. I should deny her, but…
But if she were to become my wife, at some point, I would need to inform her. I would need to trust her with the information. Staring at her now, I realized that trust already existed. Annette valued independence. She valued freedom. I suspected not only would she support my desire to rescue Adda, but also encourage it. Lord Paxton had been my only confidant on the matter for so long. Not even my parents were aware of Adda or the situation that had led to our friendship. Speaking with the viscount had often eased my burdens, lifted some of the weight that pressed so heavily upon me. What would I do when he had passed on? Who would I confide in?
Confide inher, something deep in my soul whispered, as if the answer were so simple. So plain. Perhaps it was, but would Annette wish to be that confidant? Now, and as my wife?
I would not know if I never allowed her in—if I kept part of my life hidden from her—but now was also not the time for a full explanation. “It’s imperative that I speak with your father right away, but I will offer enough to satiate your demands for the time being. You remember I have a friend who is missing, yes?”
She nodded. “Have you found them?”
“I’ve suspected your new neighbor, a man by the name of Captain Darius Hollinsby, was involved in her disappearance. Until moments before you arrived, I’d not managed a confirmation. But she is there, and—”
“She?”
“Yes. Her name is Adda. She is like family.” The image of Hollinsby’s rough-handling penetrated my thoughts. How much abuse had she suffered since being brought here? I shook my head. “I beg you will leave the rest of your questions for later. I must speak with your father now that I know for certain she is here in Kent. I worry for her safety, and it is imperative that I plan my next move to save her.”
Annette’s expression twisted with concern, all evidence of her previous ire gone. “Of course. You should go.”
“May I escort you home?”
“No, I mean to spend some time at the ruins. I often go there when I need to think.” She paused. “Might we meet there tomorrow? The place will lend us the privacy needed to finish this conversation.”
“Very well. Tomorrow, then.” I mounted my horse, but before I could leave, another concern stalled my departure. “You will promise not to trespass on Hollinsby’s land, will you not? He is not the sort of man who can be trusted, and I’ve no wish for you to get hurt.”
“You think I would run into danger?” Her lips lifted in a lopsided smirk. “You do not know me at all, Edward.”
The way she said my name spread warmth through my chest. Perhaps allowing such familiarity between us was unwise, given my determination to keep our relationship strictly platonic, whether as friends or should we wed, but I could not find it in me to regret it.
I grinned despite myself. “On the contrary, your propensity for disregarding the rules of propriety informed me you lacked an aversion to risk in London. Since coming to Kenwick, I’ve only realized just how deep that disregard runs.”
She pinked but hid her embarrassment with a rebuttal. “I do not care what your opinion is of me. Or anyone’s opinion. Regardless, meeting with you once in London, alone, is hardly a blight against me.”
I could not decide whether I believed her insistence that she did not care. After all, while in Town, I had only glimpsed moments of her spirited nature. She rarely hid her disdain for me, true, but she always presented her opinion of me with cunning yet elegant remarks. She never left me questioning her behavior as anything but lady-like. Her grace and sophistication were respected by theton. Why would she go to such lengths to put on airs if she did not care?
I wanted to riddle it all out, especially since she was so different at Kenwick. Here, I had learned that there was far more to Annette Apsley, and I yearned to know the carefree, spirited woman who had been absent in London.
Perhaps tomorrow she would permit my questions as well.
“Will you not promise me?” I asked again. “It will set me at ease about leaving you.”
Her cheeks darkened again. “If you insist. I promise to avoid the neighboring estate.”
“Thank you.” I bowed from atop Lightning. “I shall see you tonight. Goodbye, Annette.”
My name, whispered on her lips with a goodbye as I rode away, made my anticipation for tomorrow grow all the more.
Chapter fourteen
Edward
We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. Do not despair when change is slow. Only do what you can, and burden yourself no more with what awaits to be accomplished tomorrow.
JN
